MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
First oncology appointment after surgery – advice on questions to ask?
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

First oncology appointment after surgery – advice on questions to ask?

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › First oncology appointment after surgery – advice on questions to ask?

  • Post
    • January 16, 2018 at 12:40 am
    leighrowena
    Participant
      Hi all,

      I was diagnosed with stage IIA melanoma in September 2017. The mole was on my lower left leg – 2.5 mm but not ulcerated. I had a WLE and SLNB at the end of September and happy to say i had clean margins and no lymph node involvement. They told me that my first appointment with the oncologist in follow up would be in January- and it’s coming up this week. (I did see my dermatologist in November for a full body check and all looks good.) I’m a 38-year-old mother of three who just had twins two months ago, so while I am exhausted I’m otherwise in good health!

      I’m wondering if any of you have guidance or advice for the questions I should ask my oncologist to make sure I am getting the best treatment possible. Also what should I expect from this appointment? Many thanks for your help and advice!

    Viewing 0 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 17, 2018 at 12:43 am
        BrianP
        Participant

          Hey Leigh,

          I'm not sure what you can expect from your appointment.  I imagine you'll get a very thorough lymph node evaluation and physical exam.  I wouldn't really expect lab work for something like this but who knows.  One reason I'm responding is I literally just read this article before I moved over to MRF to see what was going on in the forums.  Interesting study, and I thought you might find it encouraging since you are post pregnancy.  Good luck with your appointment.

          https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180116111149.htm

           

            • January 17, 2018 at 3:00 am
            Treadlightly
            Participant

              After my initial treatment for Stage IIA Acral Lentiginous Melanoma, I had check ups every 3 months for the first 3 years. At all of these visits, my doctor checked my lymph nodes by palpating and feeling for swelling. They also looked me over very thoroughly and ask if I have noticed anything new pop up. Many times I have asked them…"what would a recurrence look like?”…to which they usually say…"a hard lump under the skin."

              For patients with Stage IIA like us, they will not perform any scans or radiographic studies proactively…unless there is a reasonable suspicion of something going on. 

              You may ask about any genetic markers that you may have been identified as having.  I asked that question and was told that no testing was done for genetic markers in my case. The reason this is of interest is that it can guide treatment in case of a future occurrence. I wanted to be able to read up on those treatments, and to stay abreast of new emerging treatments, in case I ever have to deal with it. Unfortunately, in my case I am totally in the dark. I was treated in 2010, but they may be testing for these thing more routinely today.

              Best of luck,

              Mark IIA

        Viewing 0 reply threads

        Tagged: 

        • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
        About the MRF Patient Forum

        The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

        The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

        Popular Topics